The Frontiers in Veterinary Science published a January editorial on ‘Peste des petits ruminants (PPR): Generating evidence to support eradication efforts’. The editorial was created by International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) with contributions from members of the LIDISKI team and CIRAD as Topic Editor. The research topic assembles findings from 16 PPR studies by more
than 100 authors (research and opinion papers) on the ecology of the PPR virus and the epidemiology and control of the disease particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It also identifies gaps in scientific knowledge and ways to enhance control and eradication strategies as some of the limiting factors in the fight against the disease.
The research topic notes that the gaps in the implementation of the PPR eradication strategy can be addressed through dedicated research programs that include ‘the development of cost-effective thermotolerant vaccines.’ Barbara Wieland, principal scientist at the ILRI, is a co-author of the editorial. She notes that ‘eradication of PPR requires researchers to continue generating evidence which supports optimizing control efforts. The authors of the editorial also note that the impact of PPR on people, and wild and domestic animals, ‘means that a One Health approach is recommended, which would strengthen system thinking around PPR control and would help the integration of disciplines and sectors.’
In Africa, ILRI is implementing the Epidemiology and Control of Peste des petits ruminants (ECO-PPR) research project, with several partners in East and West Africa and in collaboration with French Agricultural Research and International Cooperation organization (CIRAD) and the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) to support initiatives towards eradicating PPR. Francois Roger, director at CIRAD says ‘controlling PPR is like managing a complex health system: we need to address this major disease through an integrated approach which includes One Health.’ In this regard, development projects funded by the European Union, such as the Livestock Disease Surveillance Knowledge Integration (LIDISKI) aim to improve livestock disease surveillance and control in Nigeria through systemic approach. For more on this research work, visit the ILRI news page. https://www.ilri.org/news/strengthening-wildlife-health-capacities-and-use-one-health-can-support-global-efforts